Communication Within Grizzly Bears

The Grizzly Bear, also known as the Silvertip Bear is one of the most expressive species when it comes to communication. The grizzly uses a wide array of communication methods including touching, seeing, vocalizing, and smelling. Their communication helps keep cubs and mothers together, find a mate, and relieve social tensions. Bears speak a language of dominance or submission; and of aggression or solicitation. They react to people in the same way they would react to another bear. Therefore, paying attention to what bears have to say, may keep people out of trouble. The Grizzly Bears' expressive body behavior is a key factor in interpreting their messages and is the most widely used form of communication with Grizzly Bears.

Typical communication through body motions would include sitting down which would indicate a bear's disinterest or lack of concern for the onlookers. It is a common misconception that bears standing on their hind legs are acting aggressively but a bear standing on its hind legs is generally an indication of curiosity or interest in whatever it may have noticed, not an act of aggression. In a situation where a bear might feel threatened, the typical response would be the Grizzly Bear popping its jaw, slapping the ground, or expelling air loudly. These acts show that the bear feels threatened or apprehensive. A chomping or teeth clacking sound is an expression of fear and apprehension and is generally misinterpreted by other animals. Unlike other species of bear, the Grizzly Bear is one of the few species that vocalizes to express strong emotions specifically. Cubs seldom use their voice, they are more commonly found screaming when in distress or whining. Cubs also "purr" when comfortable or warm, similar to cats. Bears have three different levels of vocalizing. The lowest level is used to express playful emotions or comfort.

This is usually only seen when Grizzly Bears are playing with their cubs and the sounds include basic tongue clicks and various grunts. The second level of vocalizing involves blowing air in different patterns to express apprehension. Their second level of vocalization can sound anywhere from a simple puff of air to a loud grunt. The third and most intense level of vocalization Grizzly Bears often express is similar to human vocalization. Strong emotions of fear, pain, distress, and combat are all emitted through the highest level of vocalization. Despite the Grizzly Bear's massive size, they don't only use sound and body movements to communicate. One of their most effective methods of communication includes scent. Most bears are able to identity the sex and age of another bear simply from the odor of the urine. Urine is primarily used during the breeding season by the males to attract females and ward off other competing males.

Even feces are used to mark territory and it is common to see Grizzly Bears marking a tree with their scent. Grizzly Bears will mark trees by rubbing their back or shoulders on the tree. It isn't uncommon to see a Grizzly Bear marking on telephone poles and other man-made signs. Grizzly Bears not only mark the trees with their scent, but with claws. With their claws they make distinct markings to reveal their mood and reproductive status. Regardless of all the warning signs a bear communicates to others, they are still at times forced to fight. Although Grizzly Bears are large and powerful animals capable of causing serious injury to other bears or humans, they prefer to use threats and displays as an alternative to actual fighting. Before engaging in a physical battle, Grizzly Bears will often bluff charge their enemy.

A bluff charge will usually consist of a full on charge including loud noises and reckless stomping. These bluff charges are used to intimidate their opponents and the bear will stop short at the last second. Just before charging he may lay his ears back and lower his body closer to the ground, fixing his eyes on the object of his fear. Flattening the ears protects them from bites. Finally, Grizzly Bears also communicate through play. A wresting match between two bears contains many of the actions and postures seen in a real fight, but with less intensity. Playing is an important part of communication also between mothers and their cubs as well as male and female bears during mating.

Work Cited:

http://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/grizzly_bear.php